It was one of those rare summer mornings when you could use beautiful and
New Jersey in the same sentence and be telling the truth. Our usual riding
group of four had made plans to meet, but by 9am Geno had called, his mumbling
indicating his last set got over at 2am, and he didn’t get in until 330, so he
would pass. Bouke, who we thought may live in is garage, was absent, his “old
lady” as he referred to her, had pressed him into an honor and obey moment, and
he would pass. So it was just BH and me, and a full day to ride, but where?
After some not so careful consideration, we called up David, his old college
friend who lived on Long Island, whose mother said he had gone into the city to
see a Yankee game. But determined to go see him, in this pre-cell phone
interruption era, we had him paged, as DR. David *&^%$, and over the public
address system they paged him. He later admitted he knew immediately who was
calling him, and he answered the page. We all agreed to meet later at his
aunt’s house, his parent’s house was having some renovations done, so we set out
for Long Island. A mere 70 miles from us, 3 hours later we were in the area,
but still looking for his aunt’s house.
Now I need to mention David’s family was rich, the old money rich, The
Great Gatsby era rich. And when we had asked for his aunt’s address, were just
told “Twin Gables, Long Island.” “Everybody in the area knows where it is,” so
off we went. Now somewhere between here and there lies the reality of the New
York Metro area, all 12 million inhabitants, with narrow old roads, and stop
lights by the dozen. The ride was anything but fun, and we had planned to get
there early not taking this into account. So when it got dark, and unfamiliar
landmarks started looking familiar after the third time passing them, we called
him, directions were given, and it was right where he said it was....
Now when F. Scott Fitzgerald told us “the rich are different from you and
I” we were about to enter the world of the different. What looked like an old
southern mansion, the size of a hotel, was where his aunt lived. It had gates,
a huge circular driveway leading up to the front porch, and servants greeting
you. Who normally would park your car in the old stables, but on our bikes they
just showed us the way. His aunt, who loved David, he was her favorite, showed
us around, out back where the yacht and speedboat where anchored at the dock on
the bay, and around the grounds that were perfectly manicured. A place you
normally would feel uncomfortable in, but she made us feel right at home. In my
mind’s eye Gatsby never lived this well, and for this weekend we were to be the
guests of Gatsby. It was late, after 10pm, and she called for the cook to meet
us in the kitchen, really a cafeteria, and we were told to ask for whatever we
wanted, shock had us eating sandwiches, and the cook went back to bed. She then
showed us to our rooms, the bathrooms, the ones in the guest area of the house
had a dorm style bathroom, complete with monogrammed towels, and shower shoes
and robes. Pajamas if we needed them. We were overwhelmed, but this was
everyday life for David. And a good night’s sleep was enjoyed by all...
The next morning we were greeted by a buffet on the back patio, and watched
as neighbors boats sailed by. Another friend Stephen had arrived, and he and
David’s aunt gave us a tour of the mansion. She loved David’s friends, and we
never felt like guests, soon calling her Auntie, which she preferred. A
highlight of the tour was when Stephen found a book about famous paintings, and
pointed out they were hanging in her home. Truly the rich are different, or is
it us that are different? What had started as a morning short of two riding
pals, had turned into an adventure into a world few get to see, and has stuck
with me for over 42 years. And in my mind’s eye I can see the light at the end
of Gatsby’s dock, warning others, just like we saw the night we arrived. The
final word’s to this classic “so we beat on, boats against the current, born
back ceaselessly into the past,” echoing in my mind.
As a Christian we are born ceaselessly into the future. An eternal right
now called heaven awaits us. But we still have to get through today, and most
of our lives are not lived in a Gatsbyesque stature. We are already into our
next paycheck by the time it arrives, and a dream of ours when raising a family
was going grocery shopping and filling the cart and knowing the check would
clear. A much different world than the one that David’s aunt lived in. But one
great thing about heaven is that it awaits our arrival, God has prepared a place
for us, and no matter what you think it to be, it will be better. For eye has
not seen, ear has not heard, nor mind imagined the things of the kingdom that
await us. And many dream of that day, I do, but today awaits us first. Where
the trials and temptations of life can be overwhelming. And when a day like our
weekend ride to Long Island happens, we can be overwhelmed before we are
thankful. Yes there are places that exist like this, they are real. But so is
heaven, so we need to keep our eyes set on things on high, and follow the spirit
daily. The blessings are there, are we listening?
From the day I have been saved until now, I hear great theological minds
debate how to know the will of God for your life. They get existential, deep
beyond any understanding a human can comprehend, and also far away from God.
For God made the gospel simple so I can get it, and free so we can afford it.
Not a philosophy to entertain, but a relationship with Jesus Christ, who is the
way back to his father, our father in heaven for eternity. And we can live “On
earth as it is in heaven,” in the spirit. So what is the will of God and how do
you know what it is? Simple...The will of God is a relationship with Jesus,
that simple. And the spirit is calling to you to be saved. It is not some kind
of list that we are to follow, or a daily regimen where we step out of line and
the will ends there. The Bible never says that, although some of the pulpit
population may tell you otherwise. It is not religious, it is freedom in
Christ, in the spirit. An attitude of expectancy, and that we should just go
and live our lives, knowing that everything we do is in God’s will. Our sin may
find us out, but God has already forgiven us and welcomed us back. So unless
the holy spirit indicates otherwise in your life, you are living in the will of
God. So go and have a great day, and enjoy yourself. Enjoy the ride that God
has set forth that day...you never know where it may lead.
So don’t be ruled by events, situations you have no control over. Be
flexible in the spirit, God knows what lies ahead, we don’t. So we over
prepare, aka worry, and miss the joy of the ride for today. God’s blessings are
new every morning, his bread fresh daily, and his love deeper than the oceans.
And every time you think you have him figured out, he shows you even more of his
grace and love. So what is God’s will for your life? The person of Jesus
Christ. Get to know him and find your life has purpose. Value. And is
exciting. We visited David’s aunt as guests and left as friends. An open
invitation to return, but we never did. That weekend was a time and a place
outside of time, a place you could return to, but it would never be the same as
the first time.
Gatsby had come a long way, and had come so close to the love of his life,
to the one thing he desired but couldn’t have. Don’t make the same mistake, the
spirit is willing, the flesh is weak. Some can only relate to what lies behind,
I prefer to relate to what lies ahead, to who lies ahead. Living life in his
will....a reality that no other author can ever capture. Live it, live him
today.....
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com